UPSC Prelims 2020— Question 90

This question tests individual cyber insurance. The key concept is: Individual cyber insurance policies may cover costs of restoring systems after malware, expenses related to cyber extortion response and legal defence against specified third-party claims. A blanket promise to replace a computer intentionally damaged by a miscreant is not generally a standard benefit. Hence statements 1, 3 and 4 are covered. The verified answer for the uploaded Set-B paper is option B. Option A — 1, 2 and 4 only: This is not the correct option. The option does not match the verified combination or conclusion. The decisive point is the distinction explained above: Individual cyber insurance policies may cover costs of restoring systems after malware, expenses related to cyber extortion response and legal defence against specified third-party claims. A blanket promise to replace a computer intentionally damaged by a miscreant is not generally a standard benefit. Hence statements 1, 3 and 4 are covered. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. Option B — 1, 3 and 4 only: This is the correct option. It matches the verified conclusion because Individual cyber insurance policies may cover costs of restoring systems after malware, expenses related to cyber extortion response and legal defence against specified third-party claims. A blanket promise to replace a computer intentionally damaged by a miscreant is not generally a standard benefit. Hence statements 1, 3 and 4 are covered. The wording of the option is consistent with the governing concept tested by the question. Option C — 2 and 3 only: This is not the correct option. The option does not match the verified combination or conclusion. The decisive point is the distinction explained above: Individual cyber insurance policies may cover costs of restoring systems after malware, expenses related to cyber extortion response and legal defence against specified third-party claims. A blanket promise to replace a computer intentionally damaged by a miscreant is not generally a standard benefit. Hence statements 1, 3 and 4 are covered. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. Option D — 1, 2, 3 and 4: This is not the correct option. The option does not match the verified combination or conclusion. The decisive point is the distinction explained above: Individual cyber insurance policies may cover costs of restoring systems after malware, expenses related to cyber extortion response and legal defence against specified third-party claims. A blanket promise to replace a computer intentionally damaged by a miscreant is not generally a standard benefit. Hence statements 1, 3 and 4 are covered. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. For UPSC-style elimination, first identify the exact proposition being tested, then evaluate each statement independently before comparing the answer codes. Avoid treating a broad or absolute statement as correct merely because its general theme is familiar. The precise qualifiers in the question—such as 'all', 'only', 'cannot', 'largest', 'always' or a specific institutional role—often determine the answer. On that basis, option B is the verified answer.